Iris ensata 'Loyalty' - Japanese Iris, Bog Plant

Iris ensata 'Loyalty' is a Japanese iris with upright, strap-like green leaves. In June and July it produces large, double, deep purple-violet flowers with yellow markings at the centre.

'Loyalty' at a glance

Botanical name	Iris ensata 'Loyalty'
Common name	Japanese iris
Plant type	Clump-forming iris; dies back in winter
Height and spread	About 90 cm tall in flower, up to 50 cm wide
Flowers	Deep purple-violet with yellow markings, large and double, June and July
Position	Full sun or part shade
Soil	Moist to wet, deep, humus-rich, acid soil
Pond depth	None – bog garden or damp soil, not standing water
Hardiness	RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C)
Native to	Garden form of the Japanese iris (not UK native)

Can Iris ensata 'Loyalty' grow in a pond?

Not in standing water. It is a bog and pond-edge plant, not an aquatic. It likes moist to wet soil in summer but must not be waterlogged in winter, so grow it in a bog garden or damp border, or lift pots out of the water in autumn.

How to plant and care for it

Plant the rhizomes about 7.5 cm deep in deep, humus-rich, acid soil that stays moist. It is likely to do poorly on chalky or alkaline soil. Watch for slugs, snails, iris sawfly and thrips.

Is it good for wildlife?

Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list.

Is it poisonous?

Yes. Irises are harmful if eaten by people or pets, so wear gloves when handling it.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.